All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In our daily work as we deal with bicycle safety, technology and user manuals we come across lots of safety risks. The most frequent ones are published in articles of the leading German special-interest magazines TOUR – Europas Rennrad-Magazin Nr. 1, BIKE – Das Mountainbike Magazin Europas Nr. 1 and E-Bike – Das Pedelec-Magazin to make this information important for the sector accessible to a wider public.

For many years now the Eurobike Show Daily accompanying the annual international Eurobike Show has given us the opportunity to publish our perspective on major developments in the cycle industry in full-page articles.

We also speak regularly in independent lectures about all topics relating to bicycle technology and bicycle market. In addition, we are regularly cited by further special-interest magazines or trade journals as well as more and more by radio and television and in their media reports, which shows us that we are completely right with our information. The section NEWS informs you about the latest news from our specialist fields. The reports and publications of this section are listed chronologically or according to topics of interest.

BIKE 06/2017
Reading time 1:00 minute

Interview with Dirk Zedler, bicycle expert for bicycle technology and safety

Why is a classification important?

Because the field of use and the requirements between the different mountain bike categories couldn't be more diverse. It’s the same thing with add-on parts such as for example handlebars: It is clear that downhill handlebars must be more resistant than marathon handlebars. As the customer wants to use the product for jumping high drops with the one and to spare weight and ride unchallenging trails with the other one.

In how far are manufacturers with the classification on the safe side in terms of liability?

The sticker and the description are considered as guideline. In a lawsuit this is a major factor. It is, however, no free-ticket for manufacturers. Each case must be considered individually.

Am I right that the classification is not prescribed by law?

Yes, but existing court judgements have a similar effect. Which means there are judgements which make bike manufacturers look bad. If someone takes legal action in a similar case, the court will come to a similar judgement.

Enduros of category 4 are limited to a drop height of 1.22 metres. Not really high.

Correct. Of course, manufacturers place the bar rather low to be on the safe side.

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